A routine fast-food run in Washington turned into an unexpectedly exhausting experience for one woman, who says she had to argue and practically beg just to get her correct change. What should have been a quick Taco Bell stop spiraled into a bizarre back-and-forth that left TikTok users stunned and asking some uncomfortable questions.
The incident, which took place at a Taco Bell drive-thru in Washington, was shared on TikTok by user makhelainez, who goes by Makhela. She explained that she pulled up expecting a normal order and a normal transaction. Instead, she found herself caught in an argument over 19 cents, a tiny amount of money that somehow became the center of a surprisingly heated exchange.
Makhela ordered two cheesy bean and rice burritos along with two spicy potato tacos, customized with no lettuce and extra chipotle. Even placing the order proved slightly frustrating, as the employee appeared to struggle to understand it. In hindsight, that confusion seemed like a warning sign for what was about to follow.
Washington Woman Has To Force Taco Bell To Give Her Change
When it came time to pay, Makhela handed over her cash and received her change with a smile. That smile quickly faded when she realized the math didn’t add up. She was supposed to receive $9.74 back, but only $9.55 was handed to her. Nineteen cents were missing, and Makhela wasn’t willing to just shrug it off.
When she questioned the discrepancy, the Taco Bell employee claimed, “We don’t have quarters. We don’t have pennies.” Trying to make sense of that, Makhela asked if they at least had dimes. The response only added to the confusion. “No, we just have cents,” the worker replied, a statement that didn’t quite align with what was just said about not having pennies.
Rather than pointing out the contradiction, Makhela tried to compromise. She asked if they had nickels, suggesting that they could at least get closer to the correct amount. The situation took an even stranger turn when the employee handed her a single nickel and said, “Here you go, queen.”
That didn’t sit well. Makhela questioned whether the employee was seriously claiming that was the only nickel available. Another nickel was eventually handed over, bringing the total to 65 cents. Still not right. “This is 65. At least I need one more,” Makhela pointed out, staying focused on the principle of the issue.
The employee then suggested offering three pennies, despite earlier claiming there were no pennies at all. When Makhela again asked for another nickel, the worker laughed, called her queen twice, and asked, “What you gonna do with a nickel?”
The Audacity
Makhela’s response summed up the absurdity perfectly: “I’m gonna go pay for my Dunkin’ Donuts, is what I’m gonna do with the nickel!” She continued explaining that 19 cents were missing and that getting closer to the correct amount shouldn’t be this difficult. Eventually, a third nickel was handed over.
Makhela still didn’t receive her full $9.74, but she finally drove away with three nickels in hand and disbelief written all over her face. “The way I had to beg for my change is crazy!” she said.
In the comments, many viewers wondered if this was a one-time issue or a common practice at that Taco Bell location. Some even speculated that shorting customers small amounts could add up quickly if it happens often enough. The situation left many people with a simple takeaway: always count your change, especially at the drive-thru.
For this woman in Washington, 19 cents turned into a lesson about standing your ground even when it feels ridiculous to have to do so.
Sabrina Russell 
Sofia Bassett 
